ML Interest Tag: moisture

Target Just Rolled Out a New Badge to Help Shoppers Identify Black-Owned Brands

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Now more than ever customers are paying close attention to where they are spending their money and which brands they are supporting. Target is helping to support Black-owned and Black-founded beauty brands. Now it is even easier for shoppers to identify these businesses at Target thanks to a special badge the retailer recently debuted. 

Target Black-owned
Courtesy of Target.com

The new badge is a brown circle featuring five skin tone colored hearts within it. It can be located in the “At a glance” section next to the other product badges on Target’s website. In the beauty section you will find this badge on Black-owned brands such as Shea Moisture, The Lip Bar and Alikay Naturals. Now shoppers will be able to easily find and support more Black-owned beauty brands.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Kelly Martin via Wikimedia Commons

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Ergobaby Wants to Buy Your Used Baby Carrier (and Help Find a New Home for It)

by Whitney C. Harris
Partner Content

What’s better than snuggling with your baby in a cozy carrier? Snuggling with your sweet babe and then restoring the carrier for a new family who needs it!

What Is Everlove?

Parent-trusted brand ​Ergobaby​ has recently launched an amazing buyback, restore, and resell program. It’s called ​Everlove and it’s the first of its kind, offering families the opportunity to either send in their no-longer-needed carrier for a gift card, or buy a pre-loved one at a discount. The result is a win-win for families everywhere, and major points for the environment as the Everlove program is estimated to save up to 96% of energy use, 95% of water use, and 84% of CO2 emissions for each carrier. And it’s no surprise that this kind of innovative thinking is coming from the first and only to company to introduce a lifetime warranty — the ErgoPromise Guarantee.

How Does It Work?

Families can simply send in an Ergobaby carrier and then choose from a $50 gift card to Ergobaby.com, a $20 gift card to a retailer of their choice, or a $30 donation made on their behalf to Baby2Baby. Anyone who purchases one of these premium, pre-owned pieces of baby gear can rest assured that the carrier has passed a 30-point inspection for maximum quality and durability, plus a sustainable and baby-safe deep cleaning process. The result is an Ergobaby that’s as good as new.

What if My Carrier Is Dirty?

Don’t fret if your Ergobaby has been on the receiving end of some serious baby bodily fluids. Carriers in need of a little extra oomph are pre-treated with a citrus-based detergent that leaves behind no residual moisture or scents. They’ll be sure that a new family receives a safe, snug and long-lasting carrier that boosts baby-caregiver bonding.

Mom2Mom

It’s not just the carrier you can pass along. Each family that sells their Ergobaby carrier through Everlove is asked to leave a story, words of encouragement, a small note or a memory for the new owners. The new family just looks up the unique ID number stamped on their Ergobaby to read it.

Pass It On

There’s a lot of reasons to participate in the Everlove program, but we think the best part is knowing that a new family will get lots of love and use out of you and your sweet babe’s carrier. And that Ergobaby can go on a new set of adventures.

Everlove by Ergobaby is building its inventory and getting ready to spread the love. The online shop will launch in late Spring 2020. So get a jumpstart on spring cleaning and send yours in to find a new family!

To learn more about the program, visit ergobaby.com/everlove.

Ergobaby will match the first 100 carriers sent in with a baby carrier donation to Baby2Baby! BABY2BABY provides children living in poverty, ages 0-12 years, with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities that every child deserves.

—Whitney C. Harris

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Recall Alert: 1.1 Million Honda Vehicles Recalled for Airbag Issue

by Erica Loop

Following on the heels of the biggest airbag recall in modern motoring history, there’s been another Honda vehicle recall—and again, Takata airbags are source of the issue. Representatives from Honda could not immediately be reached for comment.

Takata issued its first nationwide recall at the behest of the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration in 2014. Since then, tens of millions of vehicles have been recalled because of Takata’s faulty airbags. (As a result of the recalls and associated fines and penalties, the Japanese-based company filed for bankruptcy in 2017.) This current recall from the NHTSA includes more than one million Honda and Acura vehicle models.

Recalled Vehicle Descriptions

The recall includes multiple models of 2001-2016 Honda and Acura cars, SUVs, minivans and pickup trucks. Visit the Consumer Reports website here for a full list or check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website for recalls by VIN or vehicle.

Why These Hondas & Acuras Were Recalled

According to reports, the defective inflators were exposed to too much moisture during the manufacturing process. This increased the risk of rupture—presenting the possibility of shrapnel (sharp metal) fragments shooting out from the airbag and into the driver during a crash.

How to Tell If Your Car Was Recalled

Visit NHTSA’s website and enter your vehicle or VIN number. If you’re still not sure, contact your local Honda or Acura dealer ASAP.

What Car Owners Can Do

If your car is on the recall list, contact your dealer immediately. The dealer will replace the defective parts.

For questions or concerns, contact Honda via the car-maker’s website or call the Recall Line at 888-234-2138 Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT or Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. PT.

Acura owners can find more information on the Acura website or by calling 800-382-2238.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Pixel-mixer via Pixabay

 

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Your Smartphone Has Way More Bacteria Than a Toilet Seat, Revolting Study Shows

by Karly Wood

If you’re like most Americans, your cell phone is your constant companion. You use it while lounging on the couch, at the office, maybe even stopped at red lights and yes, even in the bathroom (c’mon, we all do it!).

According to a University of Arizona study, all that action means your smartphone has hundreds of times more bacteria per square inch than that toilet seat you’ve been sitting on—and why it’s imperative you should know how to clean your smartphone.

So why exactly are our phones such a cesspool for germs and bacteria? Modern society has us touching everything: doorknobs, light switches, self-checkout machines and ATMs—not to mention changing dirty diapers and the general shenanigans that motherhood has us handling. Every time you come into contact with an unclean item and then going back to answer that text, you’re transferring germs right onto your phone and then back to your hands, face and ears. Can you say gross!?

A 2011 study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that fecal matter can be found on 1 out of every 6 smartphones and even more studies have found that MRSA, E. coli and Streptococcus––serious pathogens––have also been linked to cell phones. Okay, so now that we’ve established how nasty our smartphones really are, here’s how you should clean yours.

photo: Aniket Bhattacharya via Unsplash

First, you’ll want to check your phone manufacturer because each maker has different recommendations when it comes to cleaning and coming into contact with moisture. You can find some suggestions for Apple, Motorola and the Google Pixel by visiting their websites.

Then, keep this list of the following products on hand to keep your smartphone germ-free:

  1. Microfiber cloth
  2. Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
  3. Water
  4. Cotton rounds
  5. Cleaning gloves

If you have a waterproof or water-resistant phone, you can make your own cleaning solution with rubbing alcohol and distilled water inside a spray bottle. While wearing gloves or using just-washed hands, lightly spray the outside of your phone, wipe with a cotton round and allow to dry.

For non-waterproof phones, you can use disinfecting wipes and carefully use them to wipe down both the screen and back of your phone.

When it comes to how many times per day you should be cleaning your phone, we’ll leave that up to you. After all, only you know how many trips to the ATM (and the restroom) you’re making on the daily.

 

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If You’re Not Cleaning Your Travel Mug Lids, You Should Really Start

by Erica Loop

Do you know how to clean your travel mug lid? If you think you do, check again—because when one woman checked her YETI, she found a hidden world of downright yucky-ness.

After hearing about a couple who discovered that their mystery illnesses came from travel mug lids, Veronica Lucas did some at-home investigation. And what did she discover? After taking apart the mug’s removable seal, she found all kinds of not-so-nice looking moldy gunk growing. After finding the growth, Lucas posted pics of it to Facebook—getting plenty of attention.

Lucas isn’t the first person to go viral with a moldy mug warning. Last fall, sports chiropractor Dr. Beau Pierce, posted a YouTube video explaining how he solved one of his patient’s mystery illness complaints by looking under their travel mug lid.

Even though both Lucas and Pierce referred to YETI products, this isn’t a brand-specific problem. Any travel mug (or for that matter, any reusable cup or container) that is exposed to moisture on a regular basis is at risk.

What can you do to protect yourself? Take apart your travel mug completely, including that little rubber gasket under the lid. Scrub the mug thoroughly or use a dishwasher and hand-washing combo (assuming your mug is dishwasher safe). Thoroughly dry the mug after washing.

Another tip? Replace your mug every so often. That ages-old coffee cup that you’ve had since college may seem nostalgic, but in reality, it could make you sick.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Lisa Fotios via Pexels

 

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Stay Warm with the New Collection of Under Armour Jackets for Kids

by Karly Wood

It’s time to prep for colder weather and it’s going to be a breeze with the new Under Armour youth jackets coming out on Sept. 19. The new collection will offer 40 styles ranging in sizes from toddler to youth XL and range in price from $55 – $155.

The fresh line incorporates the quality and function we all expect from Under Armour clothing, including UA Coldgear so your kiddos stay dry and toasty, UA Storm to repel water, and the UA UGrow System which allows sleeves to extend an extra two inches (major score). Here are some of our favorite picks from the debuting collection.

Print North Rim Microfleece Jacket

Fleece jackets are known for keeping us warm, but not very dry in wet weather. The Print North Rim Microfleece Jacket ($60) ups the ante with its water-resistant panels to keep the hood, shoulders and chest dry. Added pockets for storage and a simple zipper make this jacket a no-brainer.

Laila Jacket

Under Armour's Laila Jacket ($130) pulls double duty. The lightweight shell repels moisture to see your kids dry in rain, sleet or snow and the micro-fleece lining keeps them warm. We especially love the dropped hem for more coverage in the back, and you can't deny that faux-fur lining is a nice touch!

Day Trekker Jacket

Under Armour's Rain Technology repels rain and snow in this Day Trekker Jacket ($85). The quilted insulation and fleece sleeves and hood make this jacket super warm, but lightweight and not bulky. Perfect for the chilly winter days coming!

Reversible Bomber

The new reversible bomber jacket ($70) from Under Armour combines fashion and function. The double color lets you choose your style for the day, while the quilted insulation guarantees a toasty trek.

Rocky Pine Jacket

The Rocky Pine jacket ($155) tops out the collection as it's most expensive item, but it's 100% waterproof design, windproof materials, UGrow design with extended sleeves and Coldgrear wrist cuffs combine all the best things about Under Armour in one stylish coat.

––Karly Wood

All Photos: Courtesy of Under Armour

 

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Pamper Baby With 3 New Skincare Lines

by Julie Seguss

Want to maintain that coveted baby soft skin? Pick the right lotions and potions to keep your little one’s sensitive skin clean, moisturized and free of eczema. Three companies have just launched amazing new collections that can help. Read on to get the scoop on Baby Dove, Mustela Bebe and Promise Organic Baby, and to choose which one is best for you and your baby.

For Parents Who Love Tried and Tested Brands: Baby Dove

Dove has been around for 60 years, but this is the first line ever created just for babies. The just-launched collection includes five “Rich Moisture” products and three “Sensitive Moisture” products, so you can choose the best option for your baby’s skin type. You’ll love that the products are budget-friendly, simple and easy to find in big box stores that you’re probably already grabbing diapers and other baby necessities at anyway.

In the Rich Moisture line, you’ll find a soap bar, baby wash, shampoo, lotion and hand and face wipes, which all have a light, baby-friendly fragrance. The baby wash and bar both boast 1/4 moisturizing cream to keep your baby’s skin hydrated.

The Sensitive Moisture products – a baby wash, lotion and hand and face wipes – are all fragrance free to accommodate babies who have skin that’s more easily irritated.

Available at dove.com, $2.47-$7.99.

For Babies With Tricky Skin Types: Mustela Bebe

Mustela already had a beloved skincare line in their collection – the products, which are mostly natural, have a fresh baby scent many parents rave about. But the French company, which has been caring for mom and baby skin since 1950, just revamped their offerings for babies.

Now, there are four different lines to choose from depending on your baby’s skin type: Normal, Dry, Very Sensitive and Eczema-Prone. Each one includes a suite of products for tackling bath time, quick cleansing on the go, moisturizing and more. All four formulas include Avocado Pereose, which helps to protect and hydrate skin.

The dry skin line also includes Ceramides infused with Cold Cream that deepen the products’ moisturizing power. Try the Nourishing Cleansing Gel with Cold Cream for a soap-free bath that won’t dry out babies skin, and the Hydra Stick, which is an amazing on-the-go solution to protect Baby’s cheeks from cold air and wind.

For very sensitive skin babies, the fragrance-free Mustela line also includes a berry extra that soothes discomfort of easily irritated skin. Try the Soothing Moisturizing Face Cream, which can be especially helpful when teething rashes occur or the Soothing Cleansing Wipes, which can keep baby clean on-the-go without irritation.

For eczema-prone babes, Mustela’s award-winning Stelatopia line reduces flare ups and itchiness with the help of Sunflower Oil. Try applying Stelatopia Emollient Cream right after Baby’s bath to lock in moisture and soothe skin.

Available at mustelausa.com, $3.49-$26.

For Eco-Minded Moms & Dads: Promise Organic Baby

Prefer a chemical-free concoction for your baby’s skin? Promise Organic Baby’s brand new baby care line is free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, phthalates, harsh preservatives and sulfates. But what is inside is a healthy helping of certified organic ingredients. They all contain USA-sourced oatmeal to soothe and nourish as well as a special hydrating blend of organic coconut oil and Fair Trade Certified Organic Shea Butter.

Conquer bath time with Coconut Butter 2-in-1 Baby Wash with Oatmeal followed by lathering Baby’s skin in Replenishing Coconut Butter Baby Lotion with Oatmeal. They both have a naturally-derived baby powdery-like fragrance created from bergamot, lavender, vanilla and chamomile. Knock out diaper rashes with the non-nano zinc oxide-based Gentle Coconut Butter Diaper Rash Cream with Oatmeal. And keep sensitive skin safe from the sun with the SPF 30 Sunscreen Baby Lotion, which includes non-nano zinc oxide along with a host of moisturizing oils to keep skin hydrated as it’s protected.

Available at cvs.com May 2017, $7.99-$12.99.

What’s your favorite way to pamper your baby’s skin? Tell us.

–Julie Seguss

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What Could Be Growing Inside Your Baby’s Sophie the Giraffe Teething Toy Will Make Your Stomach Turn

by Red Tricycle

If you have a teething baby, you might need to check their favorite chew toy. Parents are reporting black mold growing inside of the toddler teething toy Sophie the Giraffe. Pediatric dentist and mother of two toddlers, Dana Chianese, said she was cleaning a Sophie the Giraffe toy last month when she smelled something musty coming from a hole on the toy, Good Housekeeping reports. Out of curiosity, she decided to cut her children’s Sophie the Giraffe and found mold growing inside.

Photo: Dana Chianese/ Good Housekeeping

Dana reportedly always cleaned the toy according to the directions – with hot, soapy water applied with a damp sponge and never submerged it into water. “It still hurts my heart to know that for a month I allowed my babies to chew on moldy toys,” she told Good Housekeeping. “I no longer buy any chew toys with a hole or recommend any.”

Another parent on Amazon reviewed the toy and stated “Beware!! If you have a drooly baby, moisture will get in the hole and you’ll end up with mold!”

Photo: Stephanie Oprea via Amazon

Have you taken a look inside your Sophie the Giraffe? Let us know what you find in the comments below!

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DIY Gingerbread Playdough

By Rebecca Green

‌

 

Photo: Rebecca Green

Right about now I start diving in deep on holiday planning. I love to cook all day and while the kids love to help too, I always try to plan ahead and set out a few fun activities for them to do while they’re waiting for the holiday meal. Our gingerbread playdough recipe will make your entire house smell delicious! The kids loved decorating the “cookies” and they got to get in on the holiday cooking without leaving me with an entire plate of cookies to eat. An all around win.

Ingredients:

4 cups flour
4 cups water
1 cup salt
2 tablespoons cooking oil
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons ground cloves – a drop of brown food coloring

Optional accessories:

gingerbread people cookie cutters
rolling pin
decorative bits such as buttons, googley eyes, sequins, gems, etc.

Directions:

Combine ingredients through food coloring and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until most of the moisture is absorbed (it should take about 5-7 minutes). Let it cool on some wax paper. Have the kids roll the dough and cut out gingerbread people to decorate!

Rebecca Green is an author, freelance writer, blogger, and recovering lawyer. Her first book, "Banish Boredom: Activities to Do with Kids That You'll Actually Enjoy," was published in July 2016. Rebecca writes freelance and blogs creative family activities, healthy lifest‌yle topics, and on the general tomfoolery of raising children. 

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Purchased Johnson & Johnson Baby Bedtime Products? You May Get $$$

by Red Tricycle

If you’re like many parents who’ve bought Johnson & Johnson Bedtime products in hopes your baby will sleep better, you may be awarded some money. Johnson & Johnson have agreed to pay $5 million to settle four class-action lawsuits that the company falsely advertised its baby bedtime products as “clinically proven” to help babies sleep better.

Photo: Top Class Action Lawsuits

The lawsuit alleges that Johnson & Johnson knew that there were no clinical studies that proved the products actually helped babies to sleep better, therefore having no basis to make that claim.

Parents state they paid more for the Bedtime products over other soaps and lotions based on the marketing claims. Parents who acted as plaintiffs in the suit say they used the “bedtime” products as directed by Johnson & Johnson, yet the items did not help their babies sleep better.

If you’ve bought one or more of the following Johnson & Johnson “bedtime” products within the United States or any U.S. territories between July 1, 2010 and August 31, 2016, you may be entitled to receive $3 per product– up to 10 products with no proof of purchase:

  • JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME® Baby Bath
  • JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME® Baby Lotion
  • JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME® Baby Moisture Wash
  • JOHNSON’S® Baby BEDTIME® Washcloths
  • JOHNSON’S®  BEDTIME® Baby Bubble Bath & Wash

If interested, you must file a claim here before Dec. 19, 2016: JOHNSON’S BEDTIME BATH PRODUCTS CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT

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